Taken in Marana, Az with my Canon SX10IS March 2010

Gambel’s Quail is a widespread resident in canyons and deserts, especially in the southern Great Basin an Sonoran Desert, It has also adapted to suburban areas and sometimes visits feeders. Gambel’s is more arboreal than bobwhites, feeding on fruit and seeds in trees adn large cacti and roosting in bushes or trees. Its populations decrease notably during droughts.

VOICE Male sings a repeated hup WAAY ha ha. Nasal calls include and inquisitive whaaoo, a sharp u-wik, and a collared-dove-like hehh.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Although the Gambel’s Quail is adapted to living in a dry, desert environment, it reproduces best in years with adequate rainfall.
• They are a non-migratory species and are rarely seen in flight. Any flight is usually short and explosive, with many rapid wingbeats followed by a slow glide to the ground.
• This quail was named for William Gambel, the American naturalist and collector.
• A group of quails has many collective nouns, including a “battery”, “drift”, “flush”, “rout”, and “shake” of quails.